Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Deacon.
Hi Sarah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Originally from Chillicothe, Ohio— growing up on Kinnikinnick Creek with many siblings. Spending the majority of my time outdoors gardening and raising farm animals. As much as I loved the dirt, I also loved all things that glittered, including sun-kissed hair. There was always something magical about hair to me. From the variation of color, length, texture, and style, I found it to be quite mesmerizing. I always knew I was going to pursue a life that aloud me to work with hair for fun, use it to support myself & family, and bring positive change into the world.
At 16 years old, I took the first real step towards my dreams by enrolling in the Cosmetology program at PRCTC. Graduating from PRCTC in 2010, I began working in a salon. I met and fell in love with my husband, Deke Deacon, through countless haircuts and adventures. After 5 years as an independent stylist, I began training as an educator and was able to obtain my Cosmetology Instructors License. I started substitute teaching at PRCTC under one of my own Cosmetology Instructors Katt Marriot. This was an incredibly humbling and rewarding experience— returning to the place that was a turning point in my own life. Learning from teachers who had poured into my life when I needed it most.
After losing a close loved one in our care, we decided to take a year hiatus to travel. I took advantage of as many sunsets, ocean views, and trips to the natural springs as I possibly could. While traveling, we focused on areas with the education I was interested in learning. I spent a lot of time reflecting on my life and career and the things I wanted to change within the beauty industry. At this time, I really began planning my future, knowing I wanted it to combine my love of hair, education, and mentoring.
In 2017 we moved back home to Chillicothe, Ohio to open Deacon Hair Co. I started working as an independent educator with the opportunity to travel across the U.S., networking with talented stylists and doing what I loved most—Hair. Meanwhile, we searched and searched until we finally found 123 Race Street. We purchased and renovated the building within two months and opened Deacon Hair Company on January 2, 2019. It was an overwhelming process, but we were so excited our dreams were coming true that nothing else mattered. We were blessed with some the most genuinely kind, talented, and hardworking stylists I have ever met. And just like that, we were a team. In February, I had the opportunity to embark on my first international trip. I met fellow educators and stylists in Costa Rica for a week off of the grid— experiencing nature, adventure, sustainability, sisterhood, wholeness, yoga, and growth. I can honestly say this experience was life-changing. I came back with a new perspective that is hard to put into words. But I know it has grounded me even still when life gets messy.
In 2020 we were shut down unexpectedly for 9 weeks. To say we were stressed during these unprecedented times may be an understatement. But to be honest, I think it brought us closer together. Being there for each other during uncertain times has a way of strengthening bonds like no other. I think there is a lot broken in the world, and it just took a pandemic for us to start looking around and notice.
With the help of many, I created and continue to manage the company, brand, social media, website, marketing, blog, and work behind the chair. DHC is a calm and inviting space where you don’t just fit in— you belong. We love to encourage and uplift both our clients and our community. Our salon is also a hub for education as we host classes and events and provide CEU credits to beauty professionals. We focus on improving the overall health of the hair while helping women find the right cut and color to fit their unique hair texture, skin tone, lifestyle, and budget. Creating a more healthy-beautiful world by recycling, choosing safe products, and through advanced education.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t consider my experience growing up typical. I would also go as far as to say I don’t know that I have ever felt like I “fit” in most environments. Mantras like “fake it till you make it” or “it’s just hair” have never aligned with me. I’ve always been more interested in understanding “why.” Why does this process have this effect on hair? What can we do to improve it? Why is this person having this reaction? How can I better understand their perspective?
At some point, I realized I approach life different from other folks, and that’s ok. I take my time and ask as many questions as I need to before making decisions. I listen to my own intuition before ruminating over advice of strangers. I can say that many of my “quirks” have been a big part of my success. If you have ever felt like you don’t belong or there isn’t room for your perspective, I would say to you to embrace being different, that is what will set you apart from the crowd. That is how you will find and connect with people who might share your ideas. The older I get I can see how special it is to be yourself. Because a lot of people don’t remember or even know who they are to begin with. One of my favorite quotes is from Brene Brown “The opposite of belonging is fitting in.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
You could say my life has revolved around hair for as long as I can remember. I have always found hair fascinating in the way our identity is formed based on length, texture, and color. The way a haircut or color can literally change the way someone feels on the inside and outside is profound. It’s never been “just hair” to me.
In my career behind the chair, I became obsessed with blonding, precision foil placement, corrective color, balancing tones, and with a specific technique called “Balayage.” AKA Hair Painting is a French word meaning to sweep or to paint. A freehand highlight that gives a blended natural look without harsh regrowth lines. I live for low-maintenance color that grows out effortlessly, only to be enhanced by sea salt and sunshine. I am probably best known for the most blended blondes. I also love working with naturally curly and wavy textures. Fostering natural curls by cutting and coloring “curl by curl.”
Through building the brand of DHC, I have found that I really enjoy the design and writing aspect. Somewhere between creating our website to curating content for social media, I decided to start a blog, “Beyond Beautiful Hair.” This has been a great outlet for me to share my experience and a resource to share with my clients. In such a fast-paced and overstimulated world— I have found writing to be the perfect medium to share ideas comprehensively.
What sets us apart:
At DHC, it’s about more than getting your goal color or length— it’s about doing it ethically— is your hair healthy, balanced, and full of shine? Or was the processed rushed for a quick fix?
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have had mentors in many different forms throughout life, and I know I would have never made it this far without their love and support.
My grandmother showed me unconditional love from a young age.
My foster Mother showed me that disappointing someone you care about is worse than being punished.
My instructors showed me the potential for success if I could develop my skills. Through the years and even now, if I have a question or need support, I know Katt Marriot, Marriane Miele, & Shirley Good are just a phone call away.
My partner Deke Deacon has supported and believed in me more than anyone I have ever known. He is brilliant and open-minded, and he constantly challenges me to see the world through other perspectives. Though I never admit it in the middle of a spirited debate— he makes me a better person.
My family and siblings. Even though we are all grown and have our own lives, we will always be each other’s biggest supporters without question.
My coworkers and teammates. I am humbled and grateful every day to share my professional and personal life with such quality humans. They are there through the highs and lows to support and uplift each other even when it’s messy. I could not ask for more.
My clients have taught me a lot over the years when I am quite long enough to listen. Their wisdom, patience, and generosity have shaped much of my experience behind the chair. After over a decade with some, I truly feel like I have gained lifetime friends and family.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.deaconhairco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deaconhairco/ https://www.instagram.com/sarahdeaconhair/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Deaconhairco/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-deacon-b72410156
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@deaconhairco5015
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/beyondbeautifulhair/ https://www.pinterest.com/DeaconHairCo/
Image Credits
Cassidy Dawn Photography Matt Day Photography Coraline The Great Brittany Hansel
